What is primary treatment mainly defined as?

Primary treatment is mainly defined as a physical process used in wastewater treatment. During this stage, the focus is on removing large solids and sediments from the wastewater through methods such as screening, sedimentation, and flotation. The primary goal is to reduce the bulk of solid waste and organic material in the water before it undergoes more advanced treatments. This physical separation is crucial because it prepares the effluent for subsequent treatment stages that often require a reduced load of solids and organic material to operate effectively.

In contrast, preliminary treatment typically involves basic filtering or screening processes, while biological treatment relies on microorganisms to break down organic matter, and chemical treatment focuses on adding chemicals to remove pollutants. Understanding these distinctions in treatment processes is essential for recognizing how wastewater is managed effectively.